Character shoes are heeled dance shoes with a leather upper and a suede or leather sole, traditionally used for character dance — a style of ballet that incorporates national and folk dance elements. In the RAD syllabus, character shoes are introduced at the Vocational level (Intermediate Foundation and above). They are not used in Graded class examinations.
What Do Character Shoes Look Like?
Character shoes have a Cuban or Spanish heel (typically 3-5 cm / 1.25-2 inches high), a T-bar or ankle strap, and a smooth leather upper. The sole is usually suede or smooth leather, which allows the foot to slide slightly on a studio floor — important for the turning and stepping movements in character dance.
They look similar to a low-heeled court shoe or a Mary Jane, but are constructed for dance use — more flexible through the ball of the foot and with a sole that allows controlled movement rather than grip.
Who Needs Character Shoes?
In the RAD curriculum:
- Graded students (Pre-Primary through Grade 8): do not use character shoes in graded class examinations
- Vocational students (Intermediate Foundation and above): character shoes are introduced as part of the Character Dance component of the syllabus
- Show and performance students: character shoes may be used for specific show routines or national dance pieces at any age, at the teacher’s direction
If you are unsure whether your child needs character shoes, ask their teacher directly. The answer depends on the specific class and whether Character Dance is being examined.
Colour and Style
RAD character shoes for women and girls are traditionally black with a heel. Men’s character shoes are also black, typically with a lower heel than women’s styles. Some schools use tan or flesh-coloured shoes for specific pieces — always confirm colour with the teacher before buying.
Fitting Character Shoes
Character shoes should be fitted with the same care as regular ballet shoes. The fit should be snug but not tight, with no slipping at the heel when walking. Because character shoes have a heel, a student who is new to heel work should have their posture and walking gait checked by their teacher when they first start using them — standing and moving correctly in a heeled shoe is a skill in itself.
Care and Maintenance
- Wipe the leather upper clean after each use with a slightly damp cloth
- Condition the leather every few months to prevent cracking
- The suede sole can be brushed to maintain its texture and slide properties
- Store in a breathable shoe bag, not a sealed plastic bag
For more on the RAD syllabus and what each level requires, see our ballet grades guide and our RAD uniform guide by grade.